And now for something completely different, Wolverhampton v-c decides

The vice-chancellor of the University of Wolverhampton is to retire next summer as she feels it is “time to do something else” after 40 years of full-time work.

Caroline Gipps, who was appointed by Wolverhampton in October 2005, will step down at the end of the coming academic year.

A spokeswoman for the university said: “Caroline has enjoyed leading the university for the past five years, but has worked full-time for 40 years – and part-time for two – so feels it is now time to do something else.”

Wolverhampton says in a statement: “Under Professor Gipps’ leadership, the university has received recognition for its world-leading research activity; redesigned its curriculum; built an increased international presence; and enhanced its regional, national and international business links.”

Professor Gipps, 62, is an expert in educational assessment and is a trained psychometrician. Before joining Wolverhampton, she was dean of research at the Institute of Education, University of London and deputy vice-chancellor of Kingston University.

“This is a great institution and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to lead it for the past five years,” she said. She thanked staff, her senior team and students.

Michael Elliott, chairman of the university’s board of governors, paid tribute to Professor Gipps and said the university was “determined to recruit an equally outstanding successor”.